5 Key Advantages of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has transformed how addiction is managed, especially for opioid and alcohol dependents. MAT combines FDA-approved medicines and behavioral therapies to deal with substance abuse problems. We describe five advantages of MAT, which underscore its relevance in contemporary addiction treatment.
Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT utilizes medication (buprenorphine or methadone) along with therapy and counseling to deal with substance abuse problems such as alcoholism and drug addiction. The efficacy of MAT is in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms so individuals can start to recover. It's also part of complete inpatient mental illness treatment.
MAT goes beyond addressing addiction itself. It considers individuals' mental health challenges and offers a structured, supportive setting. MAT is renowned because of its efficacy and evidence-based strategy as the stigmas of addiction start to diminish.
1. Reduces Cravings & Withdrawal Symptoms
An advantage of MAT is it lessens the frequently overwhelming cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to substance cessation. For individuals recuperating from opioid addiction, MAT could be the big difference between a manageable recovery and a distressing one.
It works on the same receptors in the brain that opioids or alcohol do, but without the high. Consequently, it lets people taper off their medication of choice without the severe withdrawal symptoms, which could cause relapse. The absence of cravings means more time for counseling and therapy - which are essential early in recovery.
2. Better Treatment Retention
Retention in treatment centers is a significant obstacle to addiction treatment. According to NIDA, longer retention in therapy betters outcomes for substance use disorders. Medication-assisted treatment is critical to enhancing retention.
Decreasing withdrawal symptoms and cravings gives MAT a manageable way to complete detox and continue rehabilitation. The medication-induced stability enables coping mechanisms and psychological aspects of addiction.
3. Reduction in Overdose & Relapse Risk
Another essential benefit of MAT is the potential to decrease overdose and relapse risk. Relapses are typical in addiction recovery, particularly in the first phases. Relapse right after abstinence increases the risk of overdose because tolerance is lower, sadly.
MAT offers a safety net by steadying brain chemical composition and lowering the risk of relapse due to extreme cravings. For opioids, buprenorphine and methadone offer a partial opioid agonist effect, minimizing the chance of death from overdose in case an individual relapses. In alcohol abuse disorder, medicines like naltrexone stop the gratifying effects of alcoholic beverages and lessen the urge to drink a lot.
4. Increases Access to Comprehensive Healthcare
Medication-assisted Treatment is frequently an entrance point to more common healthcare solutions for individuals who wouldn't usually seek medical help. Numerous addicts have underlying health issues that are not always recognized during substance use. The practice of MAT frequently calls for frequent medical visits, which might help diagnose and treat some other health issues.
With all the types of consistent monitoring inherent in MAT programs, providers can detect and handle mental and physical health problems that could otherwise remain untreated. For instance, individuals with substance abuse problems frequently have chronic hepatitis C, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and mental illnesses.
5. Increased Social and Occupational Functioning
Addiction frequently results in substantial social and occupational impairments, separating individuals from social networks and hindering work. MAT aims to regain control of their life by restoring occupational and social functioning.
As MAT stabilizes individuals, they can start rebuilding social activities secure employment, and relationships without the burden of addiction weighing them down.
6. Supports Long-Term Recovery and Maintenance
Last but not least, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) supports long-term recovery and maintenance in individuals recovering from addiction. It provides a more sustainable approach to managing addiction compared to short-term detox programs that often see higher rates of relapse. By combining medications with continuous behavioral therapies, MAT helps individuals develop coping strategies and behavioral modifications that are essential for long-term sobriety.
The Bottom Line
Medication-assisted treatment is a weapon in the fight against addiction, which enables people to recover. Reduction of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increased treatment retention, decreased risk of relapse and overdose, enhanced holistic recovery approach, and increased social and occupational functioning are ways MAT contributes to long-term recovery.